How to Avoid USCIS Rejecting Your Application Due to Common Errors
Errors when submitting your USCIS application or petition can lead to delays or rejection. Taking a few extra minutes to review your application and payment method can save you time, money, and frustration!
Double-Check the Form Edition
- Always check the webpage for each form on the official USCIS website to verify that you are using the form edition currently accepted by USCIS.
- The webpage for each USCIS form has an “Edition Date” section, which you can expand to verify the form edition(s) currently accepted by USCIS. Be sure to cross-check with the edition date on your form to make sure you are using the correct edition.
Sign All Forms in Original “Wet Ink”
- Always sign and date forms by hand and in ink before scanning or filing.
- Electronic signatures are allowed only if the form’s instructions specifically say so. Most forms require a real, handwritten signature placed directly on the form.
- Do not use typed names, digital signatures, signature stamps, or copied/pasted signature images.
- Keep the original ink-signed pages in your records in case USCIS requires proof of the original signature.
Double-Check the Filing Fee Amount
- Always check the official USCIS Fee Schedule to confirm correct filing fee.
- Fees change occasionally, so don’t rely on old forms or internet posts.
Confirm You Are Using an Accepted Payment Method
As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for filing fee payments.
- USCIS will only accept the following payment methods:
- Credit card, debit card, or pre-paid card: Note that this requires you to complete and sign Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Place the form on top of your application, petition, or request package when you file it.
- ACH bank debit: Note that this requires you to complete and sign Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. Place the form on top of your application, petition, or request package when you file it.
- All payments must be made from a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. dollars.
- Use only one payment method per filing. Do not split a single fee between ACH and card payments. You cannot submit both Form G-1650 and Form G-1450 to pay one filing
Exemption from the Electronic Payment Requirement
- If electronic payment is not possible, you may request an exemption by filling out Form G-1651 and including it with your filing.
- To qualify, you must prove that you meet at least one of the following conditions:
- You do not have a bank account or cannot use electronic payment systems
- Paying electronically would cause you “undue hardship”
- Electronic payment is not necessary or desirable for national security or law enforcement reasons
- Other “special circumstances” apply, as decided by the Secretary of the Treasury
- If approved, USCIS may allow you to pay using a non-electronic method.
If Filing Multiple Applications
- When submitting multiple forms, pay each filing fee separately.
- Use a separate payment authorization form for each form that you submit. (The biometric fee may be included on the same form as the related filing.)
Bank & Payment Safety Tips
- Make sure enough funds are available to avoid declined or bounced payments.
- Tell your bank in advance that you’re making a large payment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (the charge usually appears to come from the U.S. Department of Treasury) to avoid a flagged or declined transaction.
- If paying by ACH, make sure the account does not have a debit block for USCIS ACH withdrawals. If the transaction is declined, USCIS may reject the entire filing.
This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.
If you do not have an immigration attorney, you may find a licensed one at www.ailalawyer.com.
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Copyright 2026. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
